Dodge County 4-H Blast

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1. 4-H Calendar
2. 2026 4-H Schedule
3. Dodge County Communications Contest
4. Dodge County 4-H Archery
5. Heartland Triple Crown Livestock Judging Series
6. Rabbit/Poultry Workshop
7. Babysitting Basics Workshop
8. Art with Eby
9. STEM Style Workshop
10. Clover Kid Day Camp
11. Home Environment Workshop
12. Conservation Workshop
13. Phelps County Small Animal Progress Show
14. Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program
15. 2026 Nebraska 4-H Camp
16. 4-H Horse Stampede
17. Animal Science Discover Days
18. 4-H Enrollment
19. YQCA
20. Animal ID Deadline
21. State Fair Livestock ID
22. Ambassadors
23. 4-H Council

*Items in BOLD are new items*

*LOCAL (DODGE COUNTY) EVENTS IN BOLD

April 16 - Dodge County Communication Contest @ Masonic Home, 6:00pm

April 25-26 - Nebraska 4-H Horse Stampede @ UNL East Campus

May 27-29 - PASE (Premier Animal Science Event) @ UNL East Campus

May 28 - Babysitting Workshop @ Dodge County Extension Office, 9am-3pm

❗June 1 - State 4-H Horse Show Animal ID and Horsemanship Levels DEADLINE❗

June 2 - Eby Art Workshop @ Eby Fine Art, 9am-11:30am

June 9 - Family Livestock Judging Contest @ Dodge County Fairgrounds, 6:00pm

June 11 - Instructor Led YQCA Training #4 @ Dodge County Extension Office, 6:30pm-8pm

❗June 15 - 4-H DEADLINE DAY: 4-H Enrollment, Animal ID, YQCA, Horse Advancement Levels (County Only), State Fair Nominations & DNA Due❗

June 16 - Stem Style Workshop @ Dodge County Extension Office, 1pm-5pm

June 16-17 - PCE (Premier Communications Event) @ UNL East Campus

June 18 - Clover Kid Workshop @ Dodge County Extension Office, 9am-3pm

June 23 - Home Environment Workshop @ Dodge County Extension Office, 9am-12pm

June 24-26 - 4-H Shooting sports National Championships @ Grand Island

June 30 - Conservation Workshop @ Fremont State Lakes, 9am-12pm

July 8-11 - Fremont 4-H Expo @ Christensen Field

July 11-15 - Nebraska State Horse Show @ Grand Island

❗July 15 - MIDNIGHT: Online Entries for Animal, Contests, Static & Fashion Revue for Dodge County Fair DEADLINE❗

July 20 - Superintendent Meeting @ Dodge County Extension Office, 6:30pm

July 21 - Dodge County Fair Clean Up & Swimming Party @ Scribner Fairgrounds, 5pm

July 22 - Dodge County Fair Horse Show @ Christensen Field

July 25-26 - Dodge County Fair Shooting Sports Contest @ TBD?

July 29-August 2 - Dodge County Fair @ Scribner Fairgrounds

The County Contest is a stepping stone event to get youth exposed to Public Speaking and develop Communication Skills that they can further develop through the Premier Communication Event (PCE) at East Campus in Lincoln from June 19-20.

Qualify for PCE in Prepared Speech, Radio PSA, or Illustrated Presentations with a Purple Ribbon at the County Contest. Impromptu Speech & Video Communication Contests are open to all youth at the PCE.

To register for the Dodge County Communications Contest - Click Here!

DC Shooting Stars has started offering Archery as a discipline in Shooting Sports! Participants are welcome to bring their own archery equipment, we will have equipment available for use if you don’t have your own equipment. Practices are held every Thursday night @ 7pm in the basement of the Dodge Auditorium! Participants need to follow the 4-H Shooting Sports age requirements to participate and be members of the D.C. Shooting Starts 4-H Shooting Sports club. Select Archery as a project in 4honline!

If you have any questions regarding enrollment, please reach out to Andy Beckman or the Dodge County Extension Office.

Andy Beckman, cell: 402-843-6336, email: circlexhunter@hotmail.com

📣 Announcing the Heartland Triple Crown Livestock Judging Series!

Get ready for an unforgettable three-day livestock judging experience! The Heartland Triple Crown Livestock Judging Series is coming June 17–19, 2026, bringing together youth from across the region for competition, learning, and celebration as the Great Plains Judging Circuit wraps up its season. This three-day event is open to all states.

Participants will take part in 10 placing classes, enjoy a clinic, and compete for awards in each age division and species. With events hosted in Columbus, Bladen, and Nelson, Nebraska, each day offers something unique—plus fun evening activities, including a BBQ after-party and a final banquet and awards ceremony.

Whether you're a seasoned judge or new to the arena, this is the perfect opportunity to sharpen your skills, meet fellow competitors, and close out the circuit in style.

📅 June 17–19, 2026
📍 Columbus • Bladen • Nelson, Nebraska
🔗 Registration details available at: https://go.unl.edu/lj26

Join us for three exciting days of livestock evaluation, learning, and community. We can’t wait to see you there! More details to come for each day.

Youth ages 8+ will learn rabbit and poultry showmanship from 4-H Ambassadors Brooke Wiese and Kelsey Bunn. Participants will work with live animals and learn proper handling, what judges look for, showmanship scorecards, feeding, and more. Don’t miss this fun, hands-on opportunity!

When: May 22nd, 2026

Time: 9am-11am

Where: Dodge County Extension Office

Click here to register, or scan the QR code to get to our registration to get them signed up.

Registration is due by May 15th, 2026.

Check out our Babysitting Basics Workshop for Youth ages 11+ that is happening on June 3rd! During the workshop, they will learn all things about First Aid & Emergency Preparedness, how to keep children safe, bathing/diapering/feeding young children, and many more things!

When: May 28th, 2026

Time: 9am-3pm

Where: Dodge County Extension Office

Click here to register, or scan the QR code to get to our registration to get them signed up.

Registration is due by May 22nd, 2026.

This acrylic art workshop will be taught by Monica Eby, owner and artist of Eby Art Studios. Participants will learn acrylic painting techniques, composition, and creative expression while completing an original artwork. The finished project will be eligible for fair exhibit and may qualify for State Fair participation, making this workshop perfect for youth interested in both art and competition. No prior experience required—just bring your creativity!

When: June 2nd, 2026,

Time: 9am-11:30pm

Where: Eby Fine Art

Click here to register, or scan the QR code to get to our registration to get them signed up.

Registration is due by May 29nd, 2026.

Practice basic hand sewing skills with a simple and safe banana suturing activity to develop fine motor skills and learn more about careers in the medical field. Put your sewing skills to work creating a fun, colorful, wearable LED Badge or Bracelet. No previous hand sewing experience is needed. Build confidence in problem solving through sewing, learn about the Fashion Revue, and take home a project for Fair! This workshop is for youth ages 11-18 and will be capped at 20 youth.

When: June 16th,

Time: 1pm-5pm

Where: Dodge County Extension Office

Click here to register. Registration is due by May 29nd, 2026.

Our youngest 4-H members will create 2-3 Projects that they can then exhibit at the Dodge County Fair.

When: June 18th, 2026

Time: 9am-3pm

Where: Dodge County Extension Office

Click here to register, or scan the QR code in the picture to get your 4-H'er signed up!

Registration is due by May 29th, 2026.

Youth will create 2-3 art and/or fabric projects that they can exhibit at the Dodge County Fair. Wear clothing that you don't mind getting a bit messy with products like paint!

When: June 23rd, 2026

Time: 9:00am-12:00pm

Where: Dodge County Extension Office

Click here to register, or scan the QR code in the picture to get your 4-H'er signed up!

Registration is due by May 29th, 2026.

Youth will explore Conservation/Entomology while making 2-3 projects that can then be entered at fair! Wear closed toe shoes, bring sunscreen, and bugs pray!

When: June 30th, 2026

Time: 9:00am-12:00pm

Where: Fremont State Lakes

Click here to register, or scan the QR code in the picture to get your 4-H'er signed up!

Registration is due by May 29th, 2026.

Phelps County 4-H Council invites all youth interested in rabbits, poultry, and pocket pets to join us for the Small Animal Progress Show on Saturday, June 6!

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the show starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Phelps County Fair Grounds, 1308 2nd Street, Holdrege NE.

Whether you are new to showing or want to practice before county fair, this is a fun, low-pressure way to build your skills. Prizes are available for 4-H aged youth. Clover Kids are welcome to exhibit. The Lone Star 4-H Club will have concessions for breakfast and lunch. Plus, a fun raffle available throughout the day!

🐄🐑🐖 Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program – Year 5! 🐐🐔

The Nebraska 4-H Livestock Achievement Program is back for its fifth year, recognizing youth who go above and beyond in their livestock projects! This program promotes learning in selection, production, leadership, and exhibition across all livestock species.

🔹 Open to enrolled 4-H livestock youth
🔹 Species include beef, sheep, swine, meat goat, dairy, rabbit, poultry.
🔹 Three achievement levels: Junior, Intermediate, Senior

🗓 Apply by June 15
🗂 Plans & Reports due August 1
🏆 Members of Excellence will be recognized at the Nebraska State Fair Grand Drive.

👉 Learn more & apply here: https://go.unl.edu/lap

During the 2026 Exploring Ecosystems season, campers will explore Nebraska’s natural world, discover how ecosystems connect, and learn how they can help care for the environment - all while having fun at camp!

The Nebraska State 4-H Camp is offering both day camps and overnight camp opportunities. Camp will return to Chadron for a 5 day overnight session (June 15-19) for youth ages 8–14. Day camps will be held in Grand Island (June 30) and Lincoln (July 22) for youth ages 8–12 providing a great introduction to the camp experience.

Registration is now OPEN! More information on sessions, dates, scholarships, and the link to register can be found at 4h.unl.edu/camp.

2026 4-H Horse Stampede Dates: Saturday, April 25 - Sunday, April 26, 2026

Location: UNL Animal Science Complex

Contests:

• Public Speaking
• Demonstration
• Art (2D/3D)
• Photography
• Horse Bowl
• Horse Judging
• Hippology

Entries must be submitted online by Wednesday, April 15, 2026. All other event and contest details remain the same as last year.

Find more information at NE 4-H Horse Stampede.

June 3, 2026

9:00am to 3:30pm CT

NCTA, Curtis, NE

Calling all youth ages 8-18! Join our Youth Animal Science Program and engage with Animal Science faculty and educators. Gain hands-on experience, explore careers in the animal industry, and expand your knowledge in an exciting and interactive environment!

Registration information will be available after the new year.

❗Enrollment is due by June 15! Visit 4honline.com.❗

Returning Families - do not create a new account - use your log-in from previous years. Instructions for returning families are at this link. Enrollment instructions for new families can be found here. 4-H enrollment fee is $15 per youth member and can be paid by credit card online, or by cash or check in our office.

New volunteers can find instructions here, and returning volunteers can follow this guide.

• Volunteer Screening and Volunteer Orientation are required in 2026 for all volunteers!
• Sterling Volunteers runs a criminal background check and sex offender registry checks; the cost is $16 paid online to Sterling Volunteers
• If you completed the background check in 2025, you will not need to this again for this year.
• Volunteer orientation can be completed at this link:

https://4h.unl.edu/resources/volunteers/orientation/

For help with enrollment, either email Macy @ mflesher3@unl.edu, or call the office @ (402) 727-2775.

June 11 - In-Person YQCA Training #4 @ Dodge County Extension Office, 6:30pm-8pm

Visit yqcaprogram.org to log in or register; the cost is $3 for In-Person Training, and $12 for Online Training, paid online to YQCA directly. Submit YQCA certificates to the office in person or by email to qualify exhibitors to show at Fremont 4-H Expo, Dodge County Fair, or Nebraska State Fair!

YQCA is an annual education and certification program focused on food safety, animal well-being, and character awareness required for youth ages 8 to 21 who produce and/or show pigs, beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits, and poultry.

❗Animal ID Sheets are due by June 15 to make any animal eligible for Fremont 4-H Expo, Dodge County Fair, or Nebraska State Fair.❗

Animals requiring ID include:

• Horse - ❗County Advancement Levels are by June 15! State Advancement Levels are due by June 1!❗
• Beef - Including Bucket & Feeder Calf, Market & Breeding, Cow/Calf Pairs, County Bred & Fed
• Dairy - Including Cattle & Goat
• Sheep - Including Market & Breeding
• Goat - Including Market/Meat & Breeding, Dairy
• Rabbit
• Swine - Including Market & Breeding

State Fair Livestock ID & Nomination Deadline - June 15

❗ Any members planning to exhibit livestock at the Nebraska State Fair must complete the appropriate livestock identification and nomination requirements by midnight, June 15. This process makes an individual animal eligible for entry at the State. Learn more at 4h.unl.edu/livestock-id.

DNA Envelopes are available at the Dodge County Extension Office for free. Nominations must be made online and paid for by midnight, June 15.

Guide to Show Stock Manager Nominations❗

Alexa Brodd - Chase Hartman - Brooke Wiese - Kelsey Bunn

These Ambassadors will advocate for Dodge County 4-H at local events and help mentor younger 4-H members, acting as role model in 4-H. Ambassadors develop their communication skills while promoting 4-H!

Youth Representatives:

Samantha Cummings - Kelsey Bunn - Lane Mehaffey - Vanessa Kriete - Kaylee Gregory - Graham Mueller

Adult Representatives:

Deb Gathman (District 1: Dodge/Scribner/Snyder) - Josh Gregory and Maria Kriete (District 2: Logan View) - Mindy Wiese (District 3: Fremont) - Rhet Mehaffey (District 4: North Bend) - Kylee Stanley - Becky Streff - Jeff Hartman - Tracy Kaiser - Michelle Cummings

The 4-H Council is the governing body of the 4-H program, helping to direct decisions in the program that effect all members and volunteers. Some adult members serve specific parts of the county. Other adults, plus all youth members, serve the county program at large. If you have issues, concerns, suggestions, or ideas, share them with a council member.

Mary Spath - Office Manager: mspath2@unl.edu

4-H

Kelly Schole - 4-H Extension Educator: kschole2@unl.edu

Shane Ahrens - 4-H Assistant: shane.ahrens@unl.edu

Macy Flesher - 4-H Administrative Assistant: mflesher3@unl.edu

Early Childhood

Lisa Poppe - Extension Educator: lpoppe2@unl.edu

Nutrition Education Program

Shelley Thayer - Assistant Extension Educator: mthayer6@unl.edu

Statewide Rural Health

Beth Nacke - Extension Educator: bnacke2@unl.edu

Water & Cropping Systems

Mailson Freire de Oliveira - Extension Educator: mfreiredeoliveira2@unl.edu

Horticulture

Ian Peterson - Extension Educator: ipeterson4@unl.edu

Email: dodge-county@unl.edu
Website: http://extension.unl.edu/statewide/dodge/
Location: 1206 West 23rd Street, Fremont, NE, United States
Phone: 402.727.2775
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/362826330737240/?ref=bookmarks